Plant #1 > PE
The PE process involves manufacturing the raw material naphtha into HDPE (high-density polyethylene), using catalysts in a state of low or medium pressure. In 1979, the PE1 plant was built with the introduction of technology from Japan’s MPC Corporation, followed by PE2 and PE3 plants. All the plants including the PE4 plant, which was additionally built by our own technology, have their own processes such as catalyst production, polymerization, separation, drying/granulation, packaging, and HX refining. We have been achieving annual cost reduction of about KRW4.5 billion through our own production of catalysts, along with the production of multi-grades of PE and stable quality effect. HDPE has about 50 grades that are used as raw materials for plastic bags, fishing nets, pipes, electric cables, palettes, and small containers.
■ Production process
01 Catalyst Making Process
The catalyst making process involves manufacturing ZIEGLER-NATTA-based highly active catalysts. Imported catalysts were initially used; but in the present process, we are producing HDPE by making catalysts 100% on our own.
02 Integrated Process
The integrated process basically determines HDPE’s physical properties. The integrated reaction mode is divided into PARA-A, PARA-B, and SERIES for operation to adjust the molecular weight.
03 HX Refining Process
The HX refining process eliminates LMP and impurities in the HX used as a solvent in the production of HDPE and makes high-purity HX for reuse in the polymerization process.
04 Separation Process
The separation process separates HX in a slurry by centrifuge to make it into wet cake.
05 Drying and Granulation Process
The drying and granulation process dries the separated wet cake (wetness: 30wt%) and goes through a granulation process to produce the pelleted product.
06 Product Storage and Packaging
The pellets granulated in the granulation process are stored in a silo, after which they are packed in bags that meet customers’ requirements.
